Because I write a personal finance column each week, and respond to all the emails I receive from readers, I subscribe to many publications and read all sorts of new books by authors I respect. When I read a new book that I think will help my readers, I try to review it in my column. When I receive an inquiry from a reader who needs advice on a subject that is important, and I don’t have the expertise to answer it, I will ask experts for their advice. Fortunately, most of the experts I depend on answer quickly and accurately.
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I know that the majority of my readers don’t have the time or funds to read everything that I read. But I have a few recommendations that I hope will help you keep up-to-date with the latest personal finance information and AI.
I have found that most major libraries in metropolitan areas maintain publications that are up-to-date and available to you at no cost. For example, I have found that many libraries carry the weekly Barron’s publication, which I recommend. You don’t have to read every column, but if you look at the index, you can select the articles that are relevant to you. If you want a copy of a column, most libraries will, at a small cost, prepare a copy. Several times a year, Barron’s will publish equity recommendations from many experts in several editions.
I recommend the latest editions of books written by experts in personal finance such as Ed Slott, Bob Carlson, Alexander Green, Wade Pfau, Ric Edelman and others. Most libraries will carry these books.
I have found the weekend edition of the Wall Street Journal is excellent. The weekend edition regularly carries the informative columns of Jason Zweig and Laura Saunders, which are up-to-date.
I have found that Barron’s and the Wall Street Journal have covered the latest innovations in AI, specific types of fraud associated with AI, the likelihood of higher interest rates, and recommended investment options associated with higher rates.
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Many libraries have AI experts on staff who regularly are preparing lectures on the latest information regarding AI innovations. I recommend you ask library personnel if they have plans for such presentations. If the library does have a resident AI expert, I recommend you speak to that individual regarding recommended AI books, and ask for future plans to educate the general public about AI at the library.
There was an interesting article published recently in the Wall Street Journal, written by Simon Constable, that included detailed information regarding life expectancy, which was provided by the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The association published the findings of a study that showed that wealthier adults in the United States on average live much longer than the poorest adults. Specifically, on average, the wealthiest decile of adults outlive the poorest decile by approximately 15.1 years. Among other factors, one of the important reasons for the difference was that the wealthy adults “have greater access to healthy food, more options for safe employment, better access to healthcare and more leisure time to engage in health-promoting activities.”
The research also indicated that the leading cause of death in the United States in 2024 was “heart disease.” Regardless of your age, this statistic suggests that it would be prudent for you to regularly establish an appointment with a heart specialist. I meet with one at least on a six-month basis.
Bottom line: Make sure you take the steps to stay up-to-date with the latest information available regarding personal finance. Specifically, stay up to date with the latest AI information, and what actions you should consider if it is likely that inflation will continue to be high, and interest rates are likely to increase. Visit your library, and see what information they have regarding, not only personal finance, but the latest information they have regarding AI.
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Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at [email protected].